The IB kit: Everything you need to know about the IB program

So you decided to sign up for IB? That’s cool.

Photo credits to: The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Organization, commonly known as the IB or IBO for short. This educational curriculum is a globally recognized and prestigious program designed to equip students with critical thinking, the characteristic of being caring, a growth mindset and open-mindedness. There’s in fact a whole list of IB learner traits.

There are 3 components that are apart of the IB program. We have the PYP, MYP AND IB Diploma Program. We are gonna talk about the IB Diploma program.

For starters, the IB Diploma allows you to pick 6 subjects from 6 subject groups. If you plan to take full IBDP, you will need to choose 3 SL (standard level) courses and 3 HL (higher level) courses

Im not kidding when I say that some schools allow you to take up to 4 HLS. Yes, 4 HLS!!!!!

Thats okay, and in fact, WOW. Whoever signed up for 4 HLS, you deserve as much appreciation.

I am currently in DP2, which is my senior year (grade 12). Last year, I was in DP1.

Alright, let’s start with some tips and advice that I would like to share with you if you are about to enroll into the IBDP program or are already taking it

Keep in mind, that the IBDP program is 2 YEARS.

Photo credits to: The Awty International School

Lets begin with:

TIP #1 — Choose subjects wisely

Guys, when I say choose your subjects wisely, I mean it. What I mean, is that you need to start thinking ahead of what you want to do in life. What do you want your career to be? What do you want to pursue in your further education and ofcourse, what interests you? Keep in mind, as this is what was done in my school, you have only one week, being the 1st week of school usually, to change or alter your schedule or subjects. Afterwards, you CANNOT change them since this is a 2 year program. You do have the option to drop the full IB curriculum or I’m assuming in the first 6 months of DP1, you can change your SL/HL courses.

For example, you are taking chemistry HL, but want to drop it. You can change this to chemistry SL, and replace that HL with another subject such as Language and Literature HL, if you were in Language and Literature SL before.

Just to note, this is how it worked in my school.

Photo credits to: International Schools of North America

TIP #2 — Organization

When obtaining information from classes, in order to fully comprehend what you are learning, organization is an essential aspect to your studying.

If you are looking for an effective and convenient app to store your notes, to do lists, and content for each lesson, check out NOTION.

This is not a sponsor btw xD.

Notion is a great tool to retain your notes from lessons. I was introduced to this app from friends and it has majorly helped me since grade 10. As an IB student, notes are KEY for studying. Instead of housing too many notebooks in my backpack, which was literally like 1000 pounds before I transferred my notes online, I began using Notion for my Language and Literature class and now, I’m using it for most of my subjects! One of my favorite features in Notion is that you can customize templates or folders to organize your notes better. Add images to the background, color code titles, etc.

Photo credits to: www.notion.com

What I like to do is that I write all my notes in a notebook. I prefer to revise and study from paper rather than online as I prefer not to use technology too often in order to protect my eyes. Yet, I do record my notes on a device as I don’t carry all my notebooks to school. I do take my chemistry and math notebook as this is REQUIRED FOR classes and obviously, calculations.

TIP#3- Time Management

Guys, I cant stress enough to you, upon how vital, time management is when undertaking the IB program. Deadlines, assessment dates, midterms, finals, formatives, Extended essay, TOK stuff, CAS project, university applications, SATS, etc.

Due dates are really close to one another and I highly recommend that you keep a to-do list in your notebook or online notes app. Keep checking this tab regularly and even updating your calendar app works too. Trust me, this was one of the most beneficial ways to keep track of upcoming tests and activities.

And y’all, for these 2 years, you really need to commit yourselves as much as you can to complete as many assigned tasks as possible. I know that this is not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth and this is something that will prepare you for the load that college is gonna give ya. Managing your time wisely and submitting tasks before the deadline, will make you feel relieved and less stressed or worried for things.

Photo credits to: Vecteezy

For DP1 students, start thinking of ideas NOW for your Extended Essay, what subject personally interests you and soon, work on a topic of your choice as well. I encourage you to watch videos, during your 1st week or a couple of weeks into DP1. Understand what the structure is like, tips, advice and statements that IB students around the world have to offer. NOTE that the essay is 4000 words maximum.

Secondly, CAS! CAS stands for creativity, activity and service and as you know, this is a core component of the IB which encourages students to conduct experiences within these 3 strands, alongside one project. Think about ideas you would like to do for your CAS portfolio, which will be viewed by the CAS coordinator and advisers. Speak to them about opportunities available in your local area, school environment or the entire country too! Hopefully, I can make a separate article discussing ideas for CAS. These ideas do not need to be the most outrageous or perfect ones. These can range from what you are passionate about. For example, I love doing digital art on Procreate. I decided to learn a new skill through this experience and so I began watching videos upon how to draw portraits and faces. Recall that CAS is not about how many experiences you conduct, but about the learning outcomes you gain out of it. There is a list of learning outcomes that you must mention. REMEMBER, for every experience as well as your project, you need to provide evidence and a good reflection, about what the experience is about, your learning outcome, and the skills you gathered from it. For your CAS project, you need a minimum of one project with at least one student you worked with.

Oh and I can’t forget about universities! Do consider this as an activity you can work on during your free time, during holidays, or whenever you get the time to do so. Speak to your school counsellor about this in advance to clear your queries and concerns regarding applications, majors, etc. Starting early is going to benefit you, I guarantee that! Preparing your personal statement essay, supplemental essays early or during your summer break perhaps is one of the most productive activities you can do to save time.

TIP# 4 — Rest

Photo credits to: Sleepopolis

I agree that the IBDP program can get really exhausting and tiring. Literally 97% percent of the time. Please remember that you are a human being and that when you need to give your brain a break, do so immediately. Take breaks during your study routine, just to close your eyes, munch on a snack, etc. My sleep schedule felt like a roller coaster at times, but seriously, try to not sleep late every day. For sure, there’s nothing wrong in staying up late to finish work but remember that health is a priority. You must not take that for granted.

TIP# 5 — Communication

“What do you mean communication??”

Yes, you need to speak up. I mean, if you think that IB courses, especially HLs is just going to consist of additional content, you’re incorrect. HL courses are roller coasters, y’all. These are FAST phases throughout IB education, regardless of what subject you take. I have understood this when taking IB biology and chemistry HL.

Photo credits to: New Metrics

When you have questions, doubts, concerns, you need to ask and talk to your teacher. I completely get it, when some teachers may not be very approachable, friendly, or amicable but you need to speak to them, develop a relationship and communicate efficiently with them. Just remember, they are here to HELP you. You are a student and you are not expected to be a genius without any mistakes throughout this program. When you need help or any sort of assistance, ASK.

Photo credits to: LinkedIn

With all of this said, it is not meant to scare or frighten you. This is just my advice as a student who has experience within this program, for over a year and a few months now. Other than that, the IB education system is a privilege for students to hold. It is not about skipping a year for universities with it or the vast number of advantages the IB provides, but about receiving a quality education. Think about it. The millions of brilliant minds like you, boys and girls your age, who don’t have a proper education. We must remember these students and keep them in our Prayers and hope that they too, shall be able to achieve a proper education.

Heidi Jane Samuel